What Are the Different Types of Banners?

6/13/2018

The digital age may have lowered the monetary entry-point for eye-catching digital signage (like LED Signs, illuminated displays, and LCD monitors), but banners can still turn heads. And because they require less maintenance and start at a lower price, you can bet that small and medium-sized businesses will have at least one or two large banners for advertising, indoor and outdoor events, or branding lying around.

With great popularity comes a great bevy of different signage solutions. Banners are the swiss-army knife of marketing – not just because of their versatility but also their modularity. So many types of banners exist, and for almost any application, that choosing the right one is a little overwhelming for first-time buyers. Fret not, newcomer: we have compiled a list of the most popular banner types below. But first, let’s go over the characteristics that define a banner.

What is a banner?

Banners are long strips of material bearing a slogan or design, with the intent of representing a company, organization, government, or other entity. They are not rigid, unlike traditional signs.

Though the dictionary may describe banners as being made of cloth, these days a banner can consist of several different materials, all with varying degrees of thickness, pliability, and durability. Banners are differentiated from flags by how they are displayed, rather than by color, shape, or designs. A banner will be attached at both ends, whereas a flag tends to be attached on a single side to a post or pole.

Here are a few of the most popular banner types:

1. Pull-Up & Retractable Banners

Pull-up banner stands, also known as roll-up , are an attractive, double-sided solution for tradeshow events and indoor retail signage. They tend to be around six-feet tall with varying widths dependent on custom specifications. Cheaper than their pop-up alternatives (which we will touch upon later), pull-up banners are easy to collapse and transport.

As you might imagine, their retractable system allows for almost instantaneous setup, but this comes as a price: pull-up banners can’t be built much wider than five feet. If you have a smaller exhibition, or want to supplement your existing signage and displays, perfect; otherwise, you may want to investigate pop-up displays instead.

2. Pop-Up Booths and Displays

Guess what pop-up displays do? They “pop” up! Often made of fabric, these are only banners in the loosest sense of the word, but they have the same end-goal as traditional banners: getting people’s attention. Often, pop-up booths are used to extend across the entire back of an exhibition’s shell.

Have big expectations for your signage? Because of their sturdier support and dimensional nature, pop-up displays can stretch much wider than a retractable banner. Installation may not be as convenient as a pull-up banner, but a few minutes should be enough for setup and takedown.

3. Step and Repeat Banners

Neutral backdrops for booths and walls are a necessary evil. Press photos need to be taken, presentations must be listened to, and keynote speakers don’t want to be distracted by their environment.

So, why not take advantage of this drab affair with custom branding? Step and repeat banners allow you to cover up garish wallpapers and boring backgrounds, all while marketing your company’s logo and name. The repetition of your logo or pictograph on their fabric allows them to slip into the scenery, while promoting awareness of your business through photography and video.

4. Suspended Banners & Hanging Banners

Using cables and rods, hanging banners can be displayed above crowds for maximum visibility and promotional impact. While installation for ceiling displays may be a little more involved, the potential payoff can be well worth the effort.

What comes to mind when you think of a hanging banner? Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with the classic fabric-suspended-by-two-corners design, but almost any shape you can dream up – circular hanging displays, elliptical suspended banners, triangle ceiling hangings, square display systems – is available at Signs By Tomorrow.

5. Mesh Banners

Vinyl is popular, there’s no questioning that. But mesh might just…mesh with your current advertising strategy. Mesh banner stands can be placed both indoors and outdoors and are known for .

The weave of a mesh banner is more permeable, allowing wind to pass through without lifting the banner up like a sail or wing. The major benefit of such a construction is that it allows the banner to brave harsh winds and inclement weather outside, while still serving the primary function of branding or advertising.

6. Fabric Banners

Fabric banners, usually consisting of polyester or satin, provide stunning full-colored graphics that will captivate and awe. Machine-washable and crease-resistant (unlike vinyl banners), these displays are the perfection solution for any business that needs a high-quality banner with little or no setup time.

The show-stopping radiance of a fabric banner can be tarnished outdoors however, so we recommend using them only for indoor applications. But trade shows, sports event, grand openings, housing promotions, and presentations are all fair game.

7. Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are an old standby, and for good reason. It’s hard to argue with the durability of their material; they can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they are tear-resistant.

Make sure you have the manpower to lift and transport heavier items. Vinyl banners can be quite heavy in comparison to their cloth counterparts, and they can crease if stored improperly or stepped on.

For more professional tips and tricks involving banners and flags, you can rely on the experts at Signs By Tomorrow®.

“Which banner will work best for me?” you ask. Find out with an expert site assessment courtesy of Signs By Tomorrow®. We have an array of for all applications and budgets. And if you’re looking for a high-quality solution to your event, we offer . We invite you to learn more about what Signs By Tomorrow can do for you. To get started,